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Chapter 3 - The woman in the dream

"Astrid, stand up—you are a warrior!"

The woman's voice was warm yet commanding, her arms outstretched as if to embrace someone unseen. Evelyn, caught in the haze of the dream, strained to see the face behind that voice, but a persistent mist clung to the edges of her vision, leaving only glimpses—the glint of crimson armor, the ripple of a scarlet cloak.

She tried to step closer, but just as her fingers nearly brushed the woman's gauntlet, sunlight lanced through the dream, sharp and sudden, wrenching her awake.

Evelyn blinked, disoriented, as Ruth's face swam into focus. Her maid stood framed by the morning light, the curtains drawn back, her smile fond but edged with urgency.

"Time to rise, fair lady."

Evelyn groaned, rubbing her eyes. "Why so early...?"

"The Earl has an announcement." Ruth answered, already laying out the day's attire. As she laced Evelyn into her gown, she leaned in, her whisper barely audible. "That woman and her brood were up before dawn, hovering in the dining hall like vultures."

A wry smirk tugged at Evelyn's lips. "Then it's fine to let them wait, it's not my turn to get anything good anyway."

Ruth stifled a laugh, the shared defiance a quiet spark between them.

When Evelyn walked over to the table ,just like Ruth said--everyone was already seated except for Earl Herbert, and Alice's eyes gleamed with familiar malice.

"How gracious of you to finally join us," her half-sister drawled, fingers tapping against her teacup. "Though I suppose even lazy weeds need their sunlight."

Ryan's hand landed on Alice's shoulder with a patronizing pat, his voice dripping with saccharine concern. "Now, Alice, don't be unkind. Look at Evelyn—tall as a bamboo shoot and just as stiff. It's no wonder she moves slowly." He paused, eyes glinting with mock remorse. "Ah, but of course, we have Mother to wake us, don't we? Poor Evelyn…" He clapped a hand over his mouth, the picture of exaggerated regret. "Oh dear. I shouldn't have mentioned that."

The siblings exchanged a glance, their smirks twitching in unison—a pair of cats who'd not only gotten the cream but knocked over the jug for good measure.

At the head of the table, Cassie tutted. "You two, enough." But the reprimand was toothless, her eyes alight with quiet approval. The corners of her mouth even lifted, just slightly, as if admiring a well-executed play.

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms under the table. She kept her face smooth, her breaths even, but inside, the old mantra coiled tight around her ribs: Don't react. Don't give them the satisfaction. Father prizes peace above all—even if it's peace built on your silence.

The creak of the staircase announced Earl Herbert's arrival before he appeared, his fingers still adjusting his cravat as he descended. His gaze swept over the assembled family and the lavish breakfast spread, lips curving in paternal satisfaction at the picture-perfect scene.

Cassie was already rising before he reached the table, her movements fluid as poured his coffee with practiced grace. The porcelain cup barely made a sound as she set it before him, her adoring gaze lingering on his face like a woman beholding a masterpiece. Herbert preened under her attention, reaching out to stroke her cascading chestnut locks with the absentminded tenderness of a man petting a prized Persian cat.

Between sips of coffee, Herbert finally made his announcement, his voice rich with barely-contained delight. "It appears the Campbell household will soon boast a crown princess."

The effect was immediate. Silverware clattered against china as all movement ceased. Alice's spoon slipped from her fingers and splashed into her porridge.

Herbert savored the stunned silence before continuing. "King Winfred summoned me recently to discuss Prince Werner's impending move to the Middle Palace." He dabbed his lips with a napkin, eyes twinkling. "With the prince taking up his official residence as heir apparent, the matter of his marriage naturally arises."

A dramatic pause hung over the table as Herbert surveyed his captive audience. "Now, guess which family's daughter has caught the prince's particular favor?"

Cassie's head swiveled toward Alice, her expression caught between maternal pride and genuine confusion. "Our sweet Alice?" Her fingers fluttered to her throat. "But we're merely an earldom...why would the crown prince look to our house?'

Herbert took a sip of his coffee, his voice brimming with pride. "True, we are only Earls—but not forever! That doesn't mean we'll remain mere Earls for the rest of our lives. Besides, since King Winfred ascended the throne, I've commanded the royal army. My rank may fall short of a Marquis, but in the palace, I am the one who holds the monarch's ear. Prince Werner would be a fool not to recognize the Campbells' worth."

Setting down his cup, he turned to Alice with an indulgent smile. "Tomorrow, the Prince visits our household. You will dress impeccably—your finest gown, your most regal bearing. Do not shame our family."

His gaze then flicked to Evelyn, as if suddenly remembering her existence. Clearing his throat to mask his oversight, he added brusquely. "The same applies to you, Evelyn."

But as his eyes caught the fresh crimson roots peeking through her hair, his lip curled in distaste. "Have your maid dye that at once. You will not greet Prince Werner looking so unkempt."

Evelyn's fingers instinctively brushed her scalp, but her reply was meek, resigned. "Yes, Father."

Nightfall.

Alice nestled into Cassie's arms, her small fingers tracing the worry lines on her mother's brow. "Why are you upset, Mum?" She asked, tilting her head. "Isn't it wonderful that Prince Werner is visiting? That I'll be his fiancée?"

Cassie blinked, as if shaken from dark thoughts, then pressed a tender kiss to Alice's cheek. "Crown Princess…" She sighed. "Being his wife won't be easy. Prince Werner is… flirtatious. They say he's entangled with his lady-in-waiting—and even a Sister from the abbey." Her grip tightened around her daughter. "If he mistreats you, I won't be able to protect you. And your father… he'd never defy the Crown for your sake."

A whisper, raw with longing: "I'd rather you marry a man who'll cherish you—not a prince who'll break your heart."

Alice wrinkled her nose, waving a hand dismissively. "If being his fiancée is so terrible, just make Evelyn do it."

Cassie fell silent. But her mind was already turning..

Evelyn's Chambers

Ruth worked the dye through Evelyn's hair, her lips pursed in disapproval. "I'll never understand why the Earl forces you to hide this color." She muttered, tugging the brush harder than necessary. "Your natural hair color is beautiful. Like autumn leaves—or a sunset."

Evelyn studied her reflection—the smears of dye, the fading crimson at her roots. "Father says it looks like blood," she replied flatly. "Bad luck for a man who commands armies. Unseemly for a Campbell."

Ruth huffed. "Superstitious nonsense." She met Evelyn's eyes in the mirror, her voice softening. "You're lovely as you are, Miss. Red hair and all."

Evelyn's fingers curled into her palms. But she said nothing.

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